[2 Corinthians 13, Proverbs 9]

H – 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

E – Self Examination!

There are times that we just need to stop and examine ourselves. It’s so easy to go through the motions of life, burdening ourselves for our own placed necessities, busying ourselves with selfish ambitions, and binding ourselves to fleshly passions. Before you know it you find yourself in a low place and wonder, “how did I get here.” That is not a bad place to be, if that place leads you back to restoration in relationship with God the Father (1:9). This is one of the things that Paul prayed for in this church.

For most of the book of 1 & 2 Corinthians Paul had addressed the sinfulness of the church at Corinth. Like most that are rebuked in sin, they attempt to turn the attention away from them and put it on someone else (ie. Paul) and begin to question their motives. But, like any good apologist, Paul, turns the focus away from him and places the focus on Christ, setting the table for the people of this church to examining who they ‘really’ are. 

Here is the question for this church and one that can be asked today, “Is Christ Jesus in You?”

This leads to other questions that test our faith like; “Is your faith real?” “Is Christ Spirit at work within you?” “Are you growing in sanctification?” “Is there evident change in your life?” “Have you been faithful to His Word?” “Do you have love for God?” “Do you rightly love all people?” And on and on. 

Upon examining their faith they should know if their claims revealed them to be in relationship with Christ because the Spirit of God being active in their life or if their life showed no signs of The Spirit’s activity or working in their life. 

The church of Corinth paints a realistic picture of many churches. Warren Wiersbe stated it this way, “No doubt many of the problems in the church at Corinth were caused by people who professed to be saved, but who had never repented and trusted Jesus Christ. Our churches are filled with such people today.”

Wow! May that lead us to self examination and spiritual restoration. 

A – Examination should come every time I open up the Scriptures, every time I begin to Worship, every time I’m convicted in truth. I constantly need to humble myself and allow the Holy Spirit of God to bring examination to my remembrance. Then, as I examine through the lenses of His Spirit make the adequate adjustments through repentance and surrender. 

R – Lord, thank you that you are the God of restoration. Thank you for loving me, instilling in me the peace of your presence. Lord, I don’t want to get over it. So, help me to have moments of self examination that leads me deeper in dependance of you. 

In Jesus Name!